RCMP, Assiniboine Park Zoo Team Up to Fight Counterfeit Merchandise

An authentic coat, left, and the fake, right, on display at RCMP headquarters on Dec. 19, 2013. (RCMP/HANDOUT)

So, that Canada Goose coat you bought for Christmas from China? That’s not goose feathers inside and coyote fur on the trim. It’s Chinese duck feathers and raccoon dog fur.

RCMP warned against buying counterfeit merchandise, like a Canada Goose coat from China. “The wearer of this coat could venture outdoors with the belief this coat provided protection against extreme winter temperatures. There would be virtually no insulation against the extreme cold and the wearer would be at risk of serious injury or even death,” reads a statement from RCMP.

RCMP teamed up with the Assiniboine Park Zoo to determine what, exactly, was being used in the counterfeit coats. The fact they found dodgy materials wasn’t a surprise, they said.

RCMP say people should follow the ‘Four Ps’ to see if something is fake:

Package: Examine the packaging. Look for spelling variants, shoddy appearance, safety certifications or small differences from the authentic logo

Price: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is

Place: Buy from reputable retailers and use extra diligence when purchasing items through the Internet